From Uchenna Inya, Abakaliki
Ebonyi State Government has sealed 283 substandard primary and secondary schools across the state.
Commissioner for Primary and Secondary Education, Professor Paul Nwobashi, described the high number of substandard schools in the state as worrisome, warning those behind the ugly trend to desist from operating such schools or have the state government to contend with.
“In the private school section, we have been able to close down some schools that are allowed to stay under the trees, uncompleted buildings and other unconducive environments.
“We have been able to close down about 283 substandard schools in the state. But we are having problems because after closing the schools, they will spring up again.
“Right now, we are trying to bring up another task-force that will go back and shut down these schools.
“Sealing of the schools was part of the state government efforts to build qualitative education for the people
“I call on the proprietors of the unapproved private schools to identify with the Ministry of Education officials to guide them on how to establish standard schools and get approvals,” Nwobashi said.
On education facilities, he said the state government had embarked on 39 classroom buildings for its secondary schools in the 13 local government areas of the state.
He said the 39 classroom model school blocks with an aesthetic design would soon be completed.
“For primary schools, we are also building a 36 storey building, two in each LGAs,” the Commissioner added.